Orland Girl's Lemonade Stand Nets $6K For Charity That Rallied For Her

ORLAND PARK, IL ? An Orland Park girl in remission after a two-year cancer fight set her mind to helping other kids in the throes of similar battles?and wow, did she.

Isla Dorsey, 5, who fought rhabdomyosarcoma, always told her mother Danielle that she wanted to have a lemonade stand, and her mom knew how important it was to her. Isla decided she wanted to donate the proceeds to Project Fire Buddies?an Oak Forest-based nonprofit fueled by volunteer efforts by local fire departments to show support for children like her battling critical illness, and their families. It began in 2016, and his since grown to include 105 chapters across 8 states.

The organization has been one of Isla's biggest supporters, and she felt firsthand how essential their support can be in the midst of tests, treatments, and setbacks. Isla was diagnosed in May 2022 with rhabdomyosarcoma in her left sinuses, which later spread to a lymph node on each side, and both of her lungs.

"Since her diagnosis, they were one of the first organizations to reach out to us," Dorsey told Patch previously. "It was two weeks after she was diagnosed, and ever since then, they have been along for the ride."

Their shows of support ranged from a gift, to a Christmas lights surprise, to helping Dorsey secure a new roof over their heads.

"They just made sure Isla had really great days, whether it be dropping off a gift, or sending us a on a trip," Dorsey said. "She knows the impact it had on her. ...

"... She knows they do such an incredible job at making sick kids happy," Dorsey said previously. "She wanted to be sure she was able to help them, help more children."

Following treatment, scans in February 2024 showed no recurrence, with doctors saying she is considered in remission. And she wasn't about to let her mom off the hook on that lemonade stand. Isla's event on July 14 raised funds to be handed over to her pals at Project Fire Buddies. The event included appearances and contributions from Nicky V's Hot Dogs and MobileGlamSquad.

The amount raised was staggering, Dorsey said.

"The idea started when Isla asked, 'Mama can I have a lemonade stand and give the money to sick kids?' and it ended with a $6,000 donation to some of our favorite Fire Buddies today," she said.

"As I counted the money that overflowed quite a few donation jars, I had tears in my eyes. Our original?and what I thought to be extreme?goal of $2,000 was counted and there was still a large amount left to count. I couldn?t believe it. Our family and friends and our community truly helped Isla knock this one out of the park."

Project Fire Buddies CEO Kurt DeGroot was touched by Isla's effort.

"Isla and her family have been an incredible blessing since the moment we first met them," DeGroot said. "The fact that this young hero was inspired to raise funds for fellow Fire Buddies truly warms my heart.

"We were amazed by the remarkable amount she raised in such a short period of time. It stands as a testament to the extraordinary spirit of this little warrior. With an average of 3k per hour, that's some impressive lemonade."

Isla told her mother she'd love to make the lemonade stand an annual event.

"... and how can I say no?" Dorsey said. "She wants to give back to an organization that quite literally changed her life during a time that no child should have to experience.

"Her first lemonade stand experience was unlike anything I?ve seen before and completely ruined lemonade stands for her in the absolute best way.

"Being on the receiving end of these organizations is hard, it?s not something I wish for anyone, but being able to give back after so long is something I can totally get on board with! It is so good for the soul, and Isla says she can?t wait to do it again!"

DeGroot noted they'd like to thank Nicky V's, who donated hot dogs and food for the event.

Isla and Dorsey delivered the check to her fire buddies at the Orland Fire Protection District on Thursday. They were shocked at the total raised.

"HOLY cow, Isla!" they exclaimed. "What was in that lemonade?!"

Isla is grateful to those who came to the stand and donated to help kids like her.

"Thank you for donating to my lemonade stand!" she said. "My heart is so happy! Fire Buddies likes to spoil me, so I wanted them to spoil other kids that are sick and need some help from Fire Buddies."